Very few people will ever celebrate 117 birthdays, but Maria Branyas Morera did—living through two world wars, two pandemics, and more than a century of change. Before her passing at 117, Maria shared the simple philosophy that helped her live so long: good food, good people, and staying calm.

Her favorite daily ritual? A cup of yogurt. She called it her “heavenly manna,” a humble comfort she enjoyed for over 20 years. For Maria, yogurt wasn’t just food—it was a symbol of nourishment, peace, and resilience.

Born in 1907, Maria lived through history while raising a family and staying true to her values: eat well, avoid toxic people, stay connected to nature, and appreciate the small things. While she credited luck and genetics too, she believed that living with kindness and balance mattered just as much.

Science supports her love of yogurt—rich in probiotics, it supports gut health, immunity, and overall well-being. But more than any one food, Maria’s life echoed what longevity researchers have seen in “Blue Zones” around the world: it’s not just what you eat, but how you live—with gratitude, simplicity, and connection.

Maria’s real secret wasn’t just about living longer—it was about living better. And maybe, for the rest of us, it starts with something as small as a spoonful of yogurt… and a heart full of grace.